Adverse Reactions to Potassium Chloride

摘要

Of 16,048 consecutive patients monitored in a drug surveillance programme, 4921 (31) received potassium chloride. The major indication for this drug was prophylaxis against electrolyte depletion and the frequency of use varied widely from hospital to hospital. Adverse reactions attributed to potassium chloride were reported in 283 (5.8) patients, the most common being hyperkalaemia. Adverse reactions culminated in the death of seven patients and threatened the lives of a further 21. Hyperkalaemia was more frequent in elderly patients, in those with uremia, in those who received potassium both orally and parenterally, and in those who died during the monitored admission. In addition, hyperkalaemia was reported significantly more often in patients who received potassium chloride along with diuretics.The findings suggest that potassium supplements should be used with caution in the elderly, in those with uremia and in patients receiving diuretics. Wide variations in the frequency of potassium use amongst the monitored hospitals suggest that this drug may be used more than is necessary and that a reduction in its use in hospitals might lead to a decreased mortality and morbidity, particularly among elderly individuals.